The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials is looking for a
full-time communications coordinator to develop materials and
methods to communicate the findings and vision of this unique,
long-term sustainable agriculture project.
Title: Communications coordinator
Deadline for applications: 1 July 1995
Target starting date: 15 July 1995
Salary range: $28-30,000 per year
One year appointment
WICST is a multidisciplinary, multiprofessional research team that
has conducted five years of field trials on alternative cropping
systems in the Upper Midwest. We are ready to formulate a plan of
communicating our research findings and approach in a way that
demonstrates to others the economic, environmental, and social
benefits of sustainable agriculture, as well as long-term
systems-based sustainable ag research. We are looking for an
experienced, adaptable person to help us do just that.
Some of the tasks we will need this person to do:
* Consult with the WICST management consortium to develop a
communications plan for the project
* Act as the lead person in developing concise, powerful ways to
express the overall message and vision of WICST
* Identify key audiences for these communications and consult with
the team on how to motivate them to understand the need for change in
agricultural production practices
* Consult with the consortium on and then develop ways to build
bridges between the WICST project and the UW-Madison College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences and UW- Extension
* Develop a variety of printed and other materials to communicate
WICST findings
* Establish a series of research updates and modules that summarize
lessons learned from the WICST project and that profile farmers who
are models for making cropping systems changes
* Publish a series of information pieces comparing various topics
across cropping systems (such as soil structure, earthworm
populations and activity, nutrient availability, weed population
changes, economics, changes in groundwater quality, nutrient
budgeting, and reduced chemical inputs)
* Develop a miniplan for media outreach and publicity, including
press releases and notification of special events
* Consult with appropriate people to develop, publicize, and plan
training sessions for Extension staff and other audiences as needed
Some of the skills and areas of knowledge that the successful
candidate will need to accomplish these tasks:
* A flexible understanding of sustainable agriculture that includes
both production practices and the socioeconomic context
* Proven experience that demonstrates you can hit the the ground
running; we can't offer a lot of "gearing up" time
* Demonstrated experience successfully interacting with people in
large institutions, particularly university researchers
* We will consider candidates with experience in communications,
academia, farmer groups, Extension, agricultural supply and industry
* Proven ability to work with diverse constituencies that are
geographically dispersed and not always easy to reach.
* Solid technical skills, including consensus building and
audience-sensitive writing
* Top notch organizational skills
* Patience, flexibility, maturity, a taste for challenge, and a
genuine enjoyment of people
In short, we're looking for your standard miracle worker...and
offering that person a chance to make a significant contribution to one
of the most dynamic, forward-thinking alternative agricultural
systems research projects in the nation. A minimum of a bachelor's
degree and experience pertinent to the position is required. We'd
very much like someone with desktop publishing skills, but we'd
consider someone without those skills who can show us how to
accomplish our goals without them.
We work together in a consensual, collaborative, and
multidisciplinary mode. We include farmer, agribusiness, and
agribusiness consultant input in all we do.
The position will be administered by the Michael Fields Agricultural
Institute, housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and will
report to a management team representing the four organizations
involved in WICST (UW-Extension Sustainable Agriculture Task Force,
WICST, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, and UW-Madison Center
for Integrated Agricultural Systems).
To apply, please send a letter of application, a resume, the names
and addresses of three references, and any samples of your work you
think would help us get a better feel for your experience and
background. In the letter, please discuss how your experience and
skills will help you help us accomplish our goals.
Send applications to: John Hall, Michael Fields Agricultural
Institute, W2493 County Road ES, East Troy, WI 53120. If you
have any questions about this position, call John at: (414) 642-3303.
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Peace
Michele
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Michele Gale-Sinex
Outreach and education
Center for Integrated Ag Systems
Ag Technology and Family Farm Institute
UW-Madison--Voice: (608) 262-8018 FAX: (608) 265-3020
Don't forget to swing hard, in case you hit
the ball. --Woodie Held